Saul has just been anointed the first king of Israel. One of the first things he was instructed to do was pay back the city of Amalek for opposing the Israelites as they made their exodus from Egypt to the promised land. His instructions were to totally destroy everything in the city, men, women, children and livestock.

Saul totally annihilates the residents but keeps the best of the livestock, figuring they would make good sacrifices to God. Continue reading →